System and method for performing a task with telephone line settings on a switch through a telephone call

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an automated system for retrieving, delivering and modifying subscriber line settings through requests from a maintenance technician to a telephone service provider&#39;s (“telco&#39;s”) systems. The system and method disclosed utilizes standard AIN queries, call setup messages and information delivery services thereby avoiding the need to use a terminal interface into the telco&#39;s systems. The technician enters data in response to prompts from a service node communicating with the technician via a telephone call. The service node sends the technician&#39;s request to a service control point which forwards the call to the switch serving the subscriber&#39;s line to be analyzed or modified. The switch responds to instructions provided by the service control point to effectuate the technician&#39;s request and sends the results to a telephone line designated by the technician.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to telecommunicationssystems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an advancedintelligent network system for facilitating troubleshooting problemsrelated to provisioning telephone services and features.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] In the present telecommunications infrastructure, subscribers areprovided a wide range of improved services and special features inaddition to regular plain old telephone service (“POTS”). Examples ofsuch enhancements include caller-id, call-waiting, automatic call-back,message waiting, anonymous call rejection, automatic re-call, and thelike. Such enhancements are provided through a complex set ofinteractions between the various network elements. The complexity of theinteractions is greatly increased when a single subscriber utilizesmultiple features.

[0005] When a subscriber subscribes to a new service, one or more of thefollowing actions may be executed: an AIN trigger may be placed on thesubscriber's line at a service switching point (“SSP”); a database on aservice control point (“SCP”) may be updated with additionalinformation; and/or a database on a service node (“SN”) may be updated.When a new service or feature is being offered system-wide, the SN orSCP may require new programming logic, or AIN triggers may beprovisioned globally on the SSP. Because of the complexity and largenumber of combinations of data and programming options, problemssometimes arise with a subscriber's telephone service.

[0006] When a subscriber reports such problems to a service center,diagnosis and correction using conventional systems and methods is amulti-step process. A trouble ticket is created and assigned to amaintenance technician. The maintenance technician must login to thesubscriber's SSP to analyze the settings on the subscriber's line. Thetechnician must then diagnose the problem and implement correctiveactions. Finally, the technician must verify that the problem isresolved, either by testing the subscriber's line or by asking thesubscriber to test the line.

[0007] In conventional systems, access to switching equipment isgenerally restricted to special terminals physically located on thetelephone service provider's (“telco's”) premises. In some instances,the telco may allow remote terminal access via a secure accessinterface. Furthermore, conventional switching systems generally haveonly a limited number of ports available for technicians logging in.Thus, when a technician logs into a switching system to diagnose asingle subscriber's problem, a valuable interface port is tied-up. Thislimits the number of ports available to diagnose and resolve anyproblems affecting users system-wide.

[0008] Additionally, telecommunication system vendors typically providerudimentary user interfaces with their systems. Thus, using conventionalmethods, maintenance technicians must have the specialized skills andknowledge to effectively interact with the switching systems. Suchspecialized skills and knowledge are generally vendor-specific, makingit more difficult for the technician to diagnose and correct problemswhen systems from, multiple vendors are deployed in the telco's network.

[0009] There is therefore a need for a system and method allowing atechnician to perform tasks with telephone line settings without theneed for logging into the telco's systems. More specifically, there is aneed for a system and method allowing a technician to retrieve or modifythe telephone line settings on the switch through a telephone call.Further there is a need for automated diagnosis of common problemsassociated with telephone services and features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention utilizes an Advanced Intelligent Network(“AIN”) to provide an automated system and method for performing taskswith telephone line settings on a switch using a telephone call. Thetasks such as retrieval, delivery and modification of telephone linesettings may be performed using the system and method of the presentinvention. AIN systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,301, U.S.Pat. No. 5,774,533 and Bellcore Specification TR-NWT-001284, SwitchingSystems Generic Requirements for AIN 0.1, which are all incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. The system and method of thepresent invention uses standard AIN queries, call setup messages andinformation delivery services.

[0011] A technician obtains the telephone line settings by placing atelephone call to a special access number for the automated system. Thetechnician may place this call using any telephone line in the publicswitched telephone network. The telephone line need not be a land-basedline, i.e., the technician's telephone line may be a mobile line ifdesired. The special access number is provisioned with a suitable AINtrigger on a switch operated by the telco. As a security measure, thesystem requests an authorization code or PIN from the caller to preventunauthorized access to the telco's systems. After verifying the caller'sauthorization to use the system, the call is forwarded to a service nodewhich prompts the technician to provide information required toretrieve, deliver and modify the data for a particular telephone line.

[0012] When line settings are being requested, it is desirable for thetechnician to place the telephone call to the special access numberusing one telephone line and to receive the results using a secondtelephone line having calling number and/or calling name delivery.Essentially, the technician's call is terminated to the second telephoneline as if the technician had dialed that line directly. However, ratherdelivering the technician's true calling number or calling name, thetest results data or a text message identifying the results aredelivered to the second line. Thus, three pieces of information aregathered by the service node: a telephone number that is to be tested, atest code and a telephone number for receiving the test results. Whenthe subscriber line data is being modified, the technician need onlyprovide the telephone number for the line to be modified and a modifycode indicating the parameters to be changed.

[0013] The technician may enter the information required using anysuitable means, e.g., a touch tone phone, a computer or an automateddialer. In a preferred embodiment, the service node “walks” thetechnician through a series of questions regarding the reported troubleand uses the technician's responses to formulate the test code or themodify code as the case may be. The service node transmits theinformation provided by the technician to the service control point. Theservice control point uses this information to determine the actionsnecessary to carry out the technician's instructions. The servicecontrol point modifies the call parameters to flag the call as a requestfrom the automated system of the present invention. The service controlpoint also modifies the called party number field to route the call tothe line to be tested or modified. Optionally, the service control pointmay ensure that the line to be tested or modified has an activeTermination Attempt Trigger (“TAT”) or other suitable AIN trigger. Thiscan be accomplished by sending an Update_Request message to the switchserving the line.

[0014] The call is forwarded to the service switching point serving theline to be tested or modified. The trigger on the line is encounteredprompting that switch to issue a database query back to the servicecontrol point. When the service control 20 point receives the query, theflag indicates that the call is really a request for retrieval, displayor modification of the switch settings for the called line. Thus, theservice control point instructs the switch to either retrieve therequested data or to modify the data fields for the line, according tothe flag.

[0015] If the instruction relates to modification of line data, theservice control point responds to the database query by instructing theswitch to end the call. If the instruction relates to retrieval of linedata, the service control point responds to the query by writing a testresults code in the calling party field of the call, and rerouting it tothe telephone number designated by the technician to receive the testresults. The switch processes the call according to the new callparameters and the call is eventually terminated to the technician'ssecond line by the appropriate switch.

[0016] Once the call is terminated to the technician's second line, thetest results may be delivered in a variety of forms. For example, asimple numeric code may be provided using a calling number deliveryservice. Alternatively, the code may be translated to a text string anddisplayed using a calling name delivery system. In another embodiment,the test code may be delivered to a computer which translates the codefor the technician. In another embodiment, the code may be stored in avoice or text mailbox which the technician may retrieve at a later date.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatedsystem for performing a task with telephone line settings on a switch.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to use an AdvancedIntelligent Network to provide an automated system for retrieval,delivery and modification of telephone line settings.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to retrievetelephone line settings from a switch via a telephone call.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to modify telephoneline settings from a switch via a telephone line display service.

[0021] These and other objects of the present invention are described ingreater detail in the detailed description of the invention, theappended drawing and the attached claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the key components of apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIGS. 2a and 2 b are flow charts showing the steps performed in apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As noted above, the present invention provides a system andmethod for performing a task with telephone line settings on a switch.The system and method are described herein with reference to theelements of an Advanced Intelligent Network (“AIN”) shown in FIG. 1 andthe flow charts shown in FIGS. 2a and 2 b. As would be apparent to oneskilled in the art, although FIG. 1 shows multiple SSPs and multipleinter-exchange carriers (“IXCs”), the present invention does not requiremultiple SSPs and IXCs.

[0025]FIG. 1 shows subscriber 10 having telephone 11 connected tosubscriber line 12. A problem associated with a subscribed feature online 12 has been reported to the telco and a maintenance trouble tickethas been generated. The system and method of present invention allowstechnician 13 to diagnose and correct the problem using telephones 14and 15 connected to subscriber lines 16 and 17, respectively. As shownin FIG. 1, subscriber lines 16 and 17 may be located anywhere withinpublic switched telephone network (“PSTN”) 18. In this example,subscriber line 16 is connected to IXC 19 and subscriber 17 is connectedto SSP 20. SSP 20 is connected to IXC 21. IXCs 19 and 21 providecommunications links to the telco's SSPs 22 and 23. As would be apparentto those skilled in the art, subscriber lines 16 and 17 need not beland-based lines, i.e., one or both of subscriber lines 16 and 17 couldbe wireless connections in PSTN 18. Moreover, subscriber line 16 and 17could be directly connected to SSPs operated by the telco, i.e., IXCs 19and 20 are not necessary components of the present invention. Finally,telephones 14 and 15 need not be co-located, i.e., one technician couldinitiate the call using telephone 14 and another technician couldreceive the results on telephone 15.

[0026] To diagnose and correct a problem with subscriber line 12,technician 13 must perform certain tasks on SSP 23 with the settings forsubscriber line 12. Using the system and method of the presentinvention, technician 13 can perform these tasks on SSP 23 using atelephone call without the need for logging onto the switch. Technician13 uses telephone 14 and subscriber line 16 to call a special 20 accessnumber set up by the telco. (Step 200 in FIG. 2a). As shown in FIG. 1,the special access number in this example is a telephone number on SSP22. In a preferred embodiment, the system ensures only authorizedcallers can perform tasks on the switch as described below.

[0027] The special access number on SSP 22 is provisioned with asuitable AIN trigger, e.g., a TAT, to trap the call. (Step 205). Inresponse to the trigger, SSP 22 sends a database query to SCP 24. (Step210). SCP 24 instructs SSP 22 to prompt the caller, i.e., technician 13,to enter a personal identification number (“PIN”) or some otherauthorization code(s). (Step 215). SSP 22 collects the digits entered bytechnician 13 and transmits the collected digits to SCP 24 forverification. SCP 24 checks database 24 a to verify the caller'sauthorization code. (Step 220). If the authorization code is not found,SCP 24 instructs SSP 22 to end the call. If the caller is authorized toproceed, SCP 24 sends an Authorize_Termination message to SSP 22directing SSP 22 to continue call processing using the call parametersas provided by SCP 24 in the Authorize_Termination message. (Step 230).In a preferred embodiment, SCP 24 provides new billing parameters in theAuthorize_Termination message. The new billing parameters allowtechnician 13 to call the special telephone access number from anylocation without incurring charges on the line from which the call isplaced. In a preferred embodiment, the new billing parameters are AINAutomated Message Accounting (“AMA”) parameters, including: AMAslpID,AMAAlternateBillingNumber and ChargeNumber. AIN AMA parameters aredescribed in Bellcore TR-NWT-001100, Bellcore Automatic MessageAccounting Format Requirements, Issued Feb. 2, 1993.

[0028] As noted above, SSP 22 terminates technician 13's call to SN 25.SN 25 is programmed to play a series of announcements to prompt thetechnician for requirements, i.e., to identify the task(s) to beperformed, and the target telephone number, i.e., the 10-digit telephonenumber for subscriber line 12. (Step 235). In a preferred embodiment,the requirements comprise an instruction code and, if appropriate, atelephone number to deliver any output from the task. The instructioncode is a numeric string of (up to ten) digits corresponding to thespecific task or tasks to be performed with the line settings on theswitch. For example an instruction code of “1410000000” could indicatethat the required task is to retrieve and display line 12'scall-forwarding status. In a preferred embodiment, SN 25 leadstechnician 13 through a series of cascading menus and constructs theinstruction code based on the input from the technician. (Step 240). Inan alternate embodiment, technician 13 uses a pre-defined list of tasksand corresponding instruction codes to input the instruction code. Inanother embodiment, technician 13 is provided with an automatic dialerhandset with the most common instruction codes pre-programmed to speedkeying in of the code.

[0029] SN 25 constructs a string, up to thirty-two digits in length, andoutpulses the string to SSP 22. (Step 240). Preferably, the string hasthe form: CXXXXXXXXXXYYYYYYYYYYZZZZZZZZZZ#, where C is a customizeddialing plan (“CDP”) code for the system of the present invention, X..Xis the 10-digit telephone number for the target line, Y..Y is theinstruction code and Z..Z is the 10-digit output telephone number, ifone is provided. As is known to those skilled in the art, the “#”character is used as a delimiter to signify the end of the string. In apreferred embodiment, C is limited to a single digit to allow for amaximum length of ten digits for the instruction code.

[0030] A CDP trigger is encountered at SSP 22 upon receipt of CDP codeC. SSP 22 waits for all digits in the string to be received then sendsan Info_Analyzed query to SCP 24. (Step 245). The Info_Analyzed querycontains all of the digits in the string received from SN 25. Based onthe value of C, SCP 24 recognizes that the call is to be handled underthe system and method of the present invention.

[0031] Upon receipt of the Info_Analyzed query, SCP 24 marks the callaccording to the instruction code and inserts new billing parameters asdiscussed above. (Step 250). SCP 24 marks the call by making severalchanges in the calling parameters. A marker code “NNNNN” (up to 5 digitsin length), is inserted in the beginning of the calling party number(“CgPN”) field. The marker code is a pre-defined code indicating thecall is to be handled under the system and method of the presentinvention. Preferably, the first digit of the marker code is either “0”or “1” to distinguish the number from a North American Numbering Plan(“NANP”) number. The remaining digits in the CgPN are changed to theoutput telephone number, “ZZZZZZZZZZ,” if one was provided. The calledparty number (“CdPN”) is changed to the target telephone number,“XXXXXXXXXX.” Finally, the redirecting party number is changed to theinstruction code, “YYYYYYYYYY.” SCP 24 sends an Analyze_Route messagewith the new calling parameters to SSP 22. (Step 250). Because the CdPNwas changed to the target telephone number, SSP 22 processes the callwith SSP 23.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is assumedthat all subscriber telephone lines are provisioned with a TAT. Even ifthe line has a TAT, the trigger may be inactive, so SCP 24 sends anUpdate_Request message to SSP 23 before or concurrent with theAnalyze_Route response sent to SSP 22. The Update_Request messageinstructs SSP 23 to activate the TAT on the line corresponding to the DNunder test. If subscriber line 12 is not provisioned with a TAT,technician 13's telephone call will be terminated to the line, resultingin a ring or busy state.

[0033] When the call arrives at SSP 23, it hits the TAT on the targettelephone number. (Step 260). In response to the TAT, SSP 23 issues aquery to SCP 24. (Step 265). The query contains all of the usual fields,including the changes made to the CgPN, CdPN and redirecting partynumber fields. When SCP 24 receives the database query from SSP 23, themarker code at the beginning of the CgPN indicates that a task is to beperformed. SCP 24 determines the task(s) by examining the instructioncode and the other information contained in the calling parameters. SCP24 then issues an appropriate instruction message to SSP 23. (Step 270).If any output is generated by the instruction, SCP 24 directs SSP 23 todeliver the output to the output telephone number as described below inmore detail below. If no output is expected, SCP 24 instructs SSP 23 toend the telephone call. The flow chart in FIG. 2b is an expandeddescription of the events that occur in step 270, depending on thenature of the task. In step 300 (in FIG. 2b), SCP 24 retrieves theinstruction code from the redirecting party field to issue anappropriate instruction. In step 305, SCP 24 determines whether or notthe task generates output. The first section below, describes the eventswhen the task generates output (steps 310-340), such as when thetechnician requests display of the subscriber line settings. The secondsection describes the events when the task does not generate output(steps 350-360), such as when the technician requests a modification ofthe subscriber line settings on the switch.

[0034] Task with Output

[0035] As noted above, if the task to be performed with the linesettings on the switch has output, the technician is prompted to enteran output telephone number as part of the requirements defining thetask. (Step 235). The output telephone number indicates where the outputwill be delivered. In a preferred embodiment, the output telephonenumber corresponds to a line different from line 16, e.g., line is 17.Alternatively, the number could be the telephone number for the linefrom which technician 13 is placing the call, i.e., line 16. However, inthis alternate embodiment, line 16 would need call-waiting with callingnumber or calling name delivery.

[0036] Suppose that technician 13 wants to determine the call-forwardingstatus for subscriber line 12. In this case, the instruction codeprovided to SCP 24 could be “1410000000” as discussed above. Thus, instep 300, SCP 24 sends a Query_Request message to SSP 23 providing thetarget telephone number and the appropriate parameters instructing SSP23 to retrieve the call-forwarding settings for line 12. In step 310,SSP 23 returns the output of the instruction to SCP 24. SCP 24constructs a results code according to the output data received from SSP23. (Step 315). The results code is a string (up to 15-digits long)indicating the status of the line under test. For example, a resultscode of “141100000000000” could indicate that call-forwarding has notbeen turned on for the subscriber's line.

[0037] SCP 24 retrieves the output telephone number from the CdPN field(step 320) and sends a Forward_Call message back to SSP 23. TheForward_Call message serves as SCP 24's response to the database query(from step 265). In the Forward_Call message, SCP 24 writes the resultscode in the CgPN field and the output telephone, i.e., “ZZZZZZZZZZ” inthe CdPN. (Step 325). SSP 23 continues processing the call using the newparameters supplied by SCP 24. (Step 335). SSP 23 forwards the call toSSP 20 since the CgPN, i.e., “ZZZZZZZZZZ,” is a telephone number on SSP20, as shown in FIG. 1. When SSP 20 terminates the call to line 17, theresults code is delivered and displayed as the calling party number ondisplay device 15 a. (Step 340). Technician 13 decodes the results codeto determine the line settings for subscriber line 12.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the results code and its translationare stored in a calling name delivery service database. In thisembodiment, line 17 has calling number and calling name delivery, anddisplay device 15 a can display both the calling number and the callingname. For example, the calling name database entry for the number“141100000000” could be set to “CFWD off” to indicate that callforwarding is turned off. Thus, when the call is forwarded to the outputtelephone number, the results code and decoded translation are displayedto technician 13. In an alternate embodiment, line 17 is attached to acomputer which receives and decodes the results code.

[0039] Task with No Output

[0040] Not all tasks performed with subscriber line settings on a switchgenerate output. For example, once technician 13 has diagnosed theproblem, the system and method of the present invention can be used tochange the settings for line 12 on the switch. Such a task does notgenerate output. The switch is merely instructed to make the change asrequested. As noted above, SCP 24 determines the appropriate action byexamining the instruction code. For example, if the task is to turn oncall-forwarding for subscriber line 12, the instruction code might be“0410000000.” In this example, SCP 24 instructs SSP 23 to modify theparameters for the subscriber line by sending an Update message. (Step300). The Update message provides the target telephone number and theinstructions regarding data fields to be changed. Upon receipt of theUpdate message, SSP 23 updates the data fields for line 12 as requested.(Step 350). SCP 24 completes the procedure by responding to SSP 23'sdatabase query with an instruction to disconnect the call. (Step 360).In a preferred embodiment, the response from SCP 24 includes aninstruction to play an announcement to technician 13 indicating that therequest has been processed before disconnecting the call. (Step 355).

[0041] The foregoing disclosure of embodiments of the present inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseforms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodimentsdescribed herein will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art inlight of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to bedefined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.

What we claim is:
 1. A method for performing a task with a subscriberline setting on a first switch through a telephone call, comprising thesteps of: (a) receiving a first telephone number and an instruction codeon a service control point; and (b) performing the task with thesubscriber line setting for the first telephone number on the firstswitch according to the instruction code.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising the steps of: (c) receiving the telephone call to afirst telephone access number on a second switch; (d) receiving anauthorization code on a service control point; (e) verifying theauthorization code on the service control point; and (f) directing thetelephone call to a second telephone access number, said secondtelephone access number assigned to a service node.
 3. The method ofclaim 3, further comprising the step of collecting on the service node aplurality of requirements and constructing the instruction codeaccording to the plurality of requirements.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the first switch and the second switch are the same switch. 5.The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: (g) marking thetelephone call as a request to perform the task; (h) forwarding thetelephone call to the first telephone number, thereby encountering atrigger on the first telephone number at the first switch; (i) sending adatabase query from the first switch to the service control point inresponse to the trigger; and (j) responding to the database query on theservice control point by instructing the first switch to perform thetask with the subscriber line setting according to the instruction code.6. The method of claim 5, wherein step 5(g) comprises the step ofwriting a marker in a first portion and the test code in a secondportion of a telephone call setup message.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the first portion of the telephone call setup message is a firstportion of a calling party number field and the second portion of thetelephone call setup message is a redirecting party number field.
 8. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising the step of modifying a billingfield in a call setup message.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein thetask comprises retrieving the subscriber line setting from the switch.10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: (c)receiving a second telephone number on the service control point; and(d) delivering the subscriber line setting to the second telephonenumber.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: (e)marking the telephone call as a request for the subscriber line setting;(f) forwarding the telephone call to the first telephone number, therebyencountering a trigger on the first telephone number at the firstswitch; (g) sending a database query from the first switch to theservice control point in response to the trigger; and (h) responding tothe database query on the service control point by: (i) instructing thefirst switch to send the subscriber line setting according to theinstruction code, (ii) writing a results code in a first portion of atelephone call setup message, and (iii) instructing the first switch toforward the telephone call to the second telephone number.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the telephone callsetup message is a calling party number field.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein step 11(e) comprises the step of writing a marker in asecond portion, the second telephone number in a third portion and theinstruction code in a fourth portion of a telephone call setup message.14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second portion of the telephonecall setup message is a first portion of the calling party number field,the third portion of the telephone call setup message is a secondportion of a calling party number field and the fourth portion of thetelephone call setup message is a redirecting party number field. 15.The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of delivering theresults code to a display device connected to a telephone line assignedto the second telephone number.
 16. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising the steps of (i) populating a calling name database with aplurality of results codes and corresponding message texts; (j) lookingup the results code in the calling name database; and (k) delivering amessage text on a display device connected to a telephone line assignedto the second telephone number.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein thetask comprises modifying a setting for the subscriber line on theswitch.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step ofsending an update message from the service control point to the firstswitch according to the instruction code.
 19. The method of claim 17,further comprising the step of disconnecting the telephone call.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising the step of playing anannouncement on the first switch before disconnecting the telephonecall.
 21. A system for performing a task with a subscriber line settingon a first switch through a telephone call comprising: (a) a servicecontrol point in communication with the first switch; (b) means forreceiving a first telephone number and an instruction code on theservice control point; and (c) means for performing the task with thesubscriber line setting for the first telephone number on the firstswitch according to the instruction code.
 22. The system of claim 21,wherein the means for receiving a first telephone number and aninstruction code on the service control point comprises: (i) a servicenode in communication with a second switch, wherein when the telephonecall is connected to the service node, the service node collects a firsttelephone number and a plurality of requirements, and the service nodeconstructs an instruction code according to the plurality ofrequirements; (ii) a customized dial plan trigger on the second switch,wherein when the service node sends a sequence of digits comprising acustomized dialing plan code, the first telephone number and theinstruction code to the second switch, the customized dial plan triggercauses the second switch to send the first telephone number and theinstruction code to the service control point.
 23. The system of claim21, further comprising: (d) a trigger provisioned on a first telephoneaccess number on the second switch, wherein when the second switchreceives the telephone call to the first telephone access number, thesecond switch collects an authorization code and sends the authorizationcode to the service control point; (e) means for verifying theauthorization code on the service control point; and (f) means fordirecting the telephone call to a second telephone access number, saidsecond telephone access number assigned to the service node.
 24. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein the first switch and the second switch arethe same switch.
 25. The system of claim 21, further comprising: (d)means for marking the telephone call as a request to perform the task;(e) means for forwarding the telephone call to the first telephonenumber, thereby encountering a trigger on the first telephone number atthe first switch; (f) means for sending a database query from the firstswitch to the service control point in response to the trigger; and (g)means for responding to the database query on the service control pointby instructing the first switch to perform the task with the subscriberline setting according to the instruction code.
 26. The system of claim25, wherein the service control point writes a marker in a first portionof a telephone call setup message and the instruction code in a secondportion of the telephone call setup message.
 27. The system of claim 26,wherein the first portion of the telephone call setup message is a firstportion of a calling party number field and the second portion of thetelephone call setup message is a redirecting party number field. 28.The system of claim 21, wherein the task comprises retrieving thesubscriber line setting from the switch.
 29. The system of claim 28,further comprising: (d) means for receiving a second telephone number onthe service control point; and (e) means for delivering the subscriberline setting to the second telephone number.
 30. The system of claim 29,further comprising a trigger on the first telephone number on the firstswitch, wherein the service control point writes a marker in a firstportion, the second telephone number in a second portion and theinstruction code in a third portion of a telephone call setup message,and instructs the second switch to forward the telephone call to thefirst telephone number, wherein the first switch queries the servicecontrol point in response to the trigger; and the service control pointinstructs the first switch to send the subscriber line setting accordingto the instruction code.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the firstportion of the telephone call setup message is a first portion of thecalling party number field, the second portion of the telephone callsetup message is a second portion of a calling party number field andthe third portion of the telephone call setup message is a redirectingparty number field.
 32. The system of claim 30 wherein the servicecontrol point writes a results code in the calling party number field ofa telephone call setup message and instructs the first switch to forwardthe telephone call to the second telephone number.
 33. The system ofclaim 21, further comprising a calling name database populated with aplurality of results codes and corresponding message texts.
 34. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the task comprises modifying a setting forthe subscriber line on the switch.
 35. The system of claim 34, whereinthe service control point sends an update message from the servicecontrol point to the first switch.
 36. The system of claim 34, whereinthe first switch disconnects the telephone call.
 37. The system of claim36, wherein the first switch plays an announcement before disconnectingthe telephone call.
 38. A method for delivering subscriber line datafrom a first switch through a telephone call, comprising the steps of:(a) receiving a first telephone number, a second telephone number and atest code on a service control point; (b) retrieving the subscriber linedata for the first telephone number from the first switch according tothe test code; and (c) delivering the subscriber line data to the secondtelephone number.
 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising thesteps of: (d) receiving the telephone call to a first telephone accessnumber on a second switch; (e) receiving an authorization code on aservice control point; (f) verifying the authorization code on theservice control point; and (g) directing the telephone call to a secondaccess number, said second telephone access number assigned to a servicenode.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the first switch and thesecond switch are the same switch.
 41. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising the steps of collecting on the service node a plurality ofrequirements and constructing the test code.
 42. The method of claim 38,further comprising the steps of: (d) marking the telephone call as arequest for subscriber line data; (e) forwarding the telephone call tothe first telephone number, thereby encountering a trigger on the firsttelephone number at the first switch; (f) sending a database query fromthe first switch to the service control point in response to thetrigger; and (g) responding to the database query on the service controlpoint by: (i) instructing the first switch to send the subscriber linedata according to the test code, (ii) writing a results code in a firstportion of a telephone call setup message, and (iii) instructing thefirst switch to forward the telephone call to the second telephonenumber.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the first portion of thetelephone call setup message is a calling party number field.
 44. Themethod of claim 42, wherein step 42(d) comprises the step of writing amarker in a second portion, the second telephone number in a thirdportion and the test code in a fourth portion of a telephone call setupmessage.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the second portion of thetelephone call setup message is a first portion of the calling partynumber field, the third portion of the telephone call setup message is asecond portion of a calling party number field and the fourth portion ofthe telephone call setup message is a redirecting party number field.46. The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of activatingthe trigger on the first telephone number on the switch.
 47. The methodof claim 46, wherein the trigger is activated by sending anupdate_request message from the service control point to the switch. 48.The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of displaying theresults code on a display device connected to a telephone line assignedto the second telephone number.
 49. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising the steps of (d) populating a calling name database with aplurality of results codes and corresponding message texts; (e) lookingup the results code in the calling name database; and (f) displaying amessage text on a display device connected to a telephone line assignedto the second telephone number.
 50. A method for modifying a subscriberline setting on a first switch through a telephone call, comprising thesteps of: (a) receiving a first telephone number and a modify code on aservice control point; and (b) modifying the subscriber line setting forthe first telephone number on the first switch according to the modifycode.
 51. The method of claim 50, further comprising the steps of: (c)receiving the telephone call to a first telephone access number on asecond switch; (d) receiving an authorization code on a service controlpoint; (e) verifying the authorization code on the service controlpoint; and (f) directing the telephone call to a second access number,said second telephone access number assigned to a service node.
 52. Themethod of claim 51, wherein the first switch and the second switch arethe same switch.
 53. The method of claim 50, further comprising thesteps of collecting on the service node a plurality of requirements andconstructing the modify code.
 54. The method of claim 50, furthercomprising the steps of: (c) marking the telephone call as a request tomodify subscriber line characteristics; (d) forwarding the telephonecall to the first telephone number, thereby encountering a trigger onthe first telephone number at the first switch; (e) sending a databasequery from the first switch to the service control point in response tothe trigger; and (f) responding to the database query on the servicecontrol point by instructing the first switch to modify the subscriberline setting according to the modify code.
 55. The method of claim 54,wherein step 54(c) comprises the step of writing a marker in a firstportion and the test code in a second portion of a telephone call setupmessage.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the first portion of thetelephone call setup message is a first portion of a calling partynumber field and the second portion of the telephone call setup messageis a redirecting party number field.
 57. The method of claim 50, furthercomprising the step of activating the trigger on the first telephonenumber on the switch.
 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the trigger isactivated by sending an update_request message from the service controlpoint to the switch.
 59. The method of claim 50, further comprising thestep of disconnecting the telephone call.
 60. The method of claim 59,further comprising the step of playing an announcement to a caller onthe telephone call before disconnecting the telephone call.
 61. A systemfor retrieving a plurality of subscriber line data through a telephonecall comprising: (a) a service node in communication with a first switchand a second switch, said second switch having a telephone access numberprovisioned with a first trigger, wherein a telephone call to thetelephone access number is connected to the service node and the servicenode collects a test code, a first telephone number, and a secondtelephone number; and (b) a service control point in communication withthe service node, wherein the service control point writes a marker in afirst portion, the second telephone number in a second portion and thetest code in a third portion of a telephone call setup message, andforwards the telephone call to the first telephone number, therebyactivating a second trigger on the first switch, wherein the firstswitch sends a database query to the service control point, wherein theservice control points responds by instructing the first switch toretrieve the plurality of subscriber line data according to the testcode, wherein the first switch then sends the plurality of subscriberline data to the service control point, and wherein the service controlpoint then writes the plurality of subscriber line data in a fourthportion of the telephone call setup message and forwards the call to thesecond telephone number.
 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the firsttrigger causes the second switch to send a query to the service controlpoint, wherein the service control point collects an authorization code,and wherein if the authorization code is valid, the service controlpoint directs the second switch to connect the call to the service node.63. The system of claim 61, wherein the first portion of the telephonecall setup message is first portion of a calling party number field. 64.The system of claim 63, wherein the second portion of the telephone callsetup message is a second portion of the calling party number field. 65.The system of claim 61, wherein the third portion of the telephone callsetup message is a redirecting party number field.
 66. The system ofclaim 61, wherein the fourth portion of the telephone call setup messageis the calling party number field.
 67. The system of claim 61, furthercomprising a means for verifying a caller's authorization code.
 68. Thesystem of claim 61, wherein the service node comprises a menu of optionsfor selecting the test code.
 69. A system for modifying a plurality ofsubscriber line data through a telephone call comprising: (a) a servicenode in communication with a first switch and a second switch, saidsecond switch having a telephone access number provisioned with a firsttrigger, wherein a telephone call to the telephone access number isconnected to the service node and the service node collects a modifycode and a first telephone number; and (b) a service control point incommunication with the service node, wherein the service control pointwrites a marker in a first portion and the modify code in a secondportion of a telephone call setup message, and forwards the telephonecall to the first telephone number, thereby activating a second triggeron the first switch, wherein the first switch sends a database query tothe service control point, and wherein the service control pointsresponds by instructing the first switch to modify the plurality ofsubscriber line data according to the modify code and to then disconnectthe telephone call.
 70. The system of claim 69, wherein the firsttrigger causes the second switch to send a query to the service controlpoint, wherein the service control point collects an authorization code,and wherein if the authorization code is valid, the service controlpoint directs the second switch to connect the call to the service node.71. The system of claim 69, wherein the first portion of the telephonecall setup message is first portion of a calling party number field. 72.The system of claim 71, wherein the second portion of the telephone callsetup message is a redirecting party number field.
 73. The system ofclaim 69, further comprising a means for verifying a caller'sauthorization code.
 74. The system of claim 69, wherein the service nodecomprises a menu of options for selecting the modify code.